This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Forming gorgeous spires of cup-shaped, clear blue flowers in late spring and early summer, this speedwell looks lovely when planted in drifts towards the front of a mixed or herbaceous border. One of the first speedwells to flower each year, Veronica gentianoides is useful for bridging the gap between spring bulbs and summer perennials.
  
  
• Garden care: Remove faded flower-stems in autumn. Apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring.